Carbylamine Reaction

When a primary amine is heated with chloroform in the presence of alcoholic potassium hydroxide, then the corresponding isocyanide is formed. Isocyanides are also known as carbylamines, hence this reaction is called as carbylamine reaction. For example, aminoethane on undergoing this reaction, gives ethyl carbylamine.

Isocyanides give a very offensive odour, so this reaction is also used as a test for primary amines.